Museum Store Spotlight

Meet Stephanie Robb, artisan jeweler and small business owner

As a young girl, Stephanie Robb loved anything that sparkled, borrowing jewelry from her mother’s dresser and putting on every piece at once. Her curiosity with sparkly materials carried over into nature, always wondering how she could wear the rocks and shells she discovered on the beach.

When Stephanie was in her late 20’s, she was a professional dancer – teaching and performing – but decided it was time to pursue her interest in jewelry design. She found someone who could teach her the craft which led to an apprenticeship.

“I spent endless hours in creative mode, which I found quite meditative,” said Stephanie.

She enrolled in a design class at Buffalo State College, where she met some of the talented women who would come together to open Wild Things, a local artisan gallery in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village which sells jewelry and fine crafts.

“After more than 25 years of designing one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry, I still love designing custom pieces in collaboration with a client – especially brides,” said Stephanie. “I continue to be inspired by all different mediums, gemstones, and elements found in nature.”

Today, Stephanie owns Turnstyle Designs, a boutique located just a few doors down from Wild Things that carries clothing, accessories, artisan jewelry, and aromatherapy products.

Stephanie’s pieces are grounded in art and design, making her jewelry the perfect fit for the Museum Store. She considers it an honor to have her pieces on display and on sale in the store.

“I grew up around the corner on Woodward Avenue and remember playing on the steps of the then-abandoned building,” said Stephanie. “To see the restored site emerge as a spectacular tourist destination is beyond words.”

The Museum Store offers a limited selection of Stephanie’s pieces online. We invite you to visit the store, open to the public during regular tour hours, to browse a larger selection of her unique pieces.